81 - Christ Consciousness

Luke 10:38-42 (AMP)

Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village called Bethany, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching. But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, 'Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.' But the Lord replied to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part that which is to her advantage, which will not be taken away from her.'"

In this familiar story, we see a powerful contrast between two sisters: Martha, who is preoccupied with the demands of life, and Mary, who chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, absorbing His every word. This passage highlights a profound truth: only one thing is truly necessary—focusing on Christ. This focus is what brings us back to our original design and purpose as children of God.

Our reality as believers finds its roots in the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden. In that perfect environment, Adam and Eve walked with God, experiencing unbroken fellowship, peace, and divine wisdom. They were immersed in God’s presence, working alongside Him, learning from Him, and delighting in His creation. Their lives were a reflection of God’s reality—simple, purposeful, and centered on Him.

But this divine connection was severed when Adam and Eve chose to listen to the serpent rather than God. Deceived by the promise of forbidden knowledge, they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, seeking wisdom apart from the Source. In doing so, they rejected God’s wisdom and attempted to elevate themselves as self-sufficient. This was not just an act of disobedience but a shift in focus—from God to self. They introduced into their hearts a restless inner conflict: a divided consciousness struggling to discern right from wrong without divine guidance.

This decision led to their banishment from the garden and the start of humanity's age-old battle—attempting to navigate life through human understanding rather than relying on God’s wisdom. Stripped of the nurturing presence of their Heavenly Father, they were left to toil and strive under the weight of their own self-sufficiency, a condition that has plagued humanity ever since.

As humanity moved further from God’s presence, we began to craft a reality of our own making—a reality defined by human achievements, possessions, and pursuits. In Adam and Eve’s time, the world was simple, without the complexities we face today. There were no nations, no systems of power, no wealth, no fame, no technology, and no distractions pulling us in a thousand different directions.

Yet, what was lost was far more valuable: the inner connection with God, the Creator of all things. As people built their lives around their own desires and ambitions, a false perception took root. Man began to see himself as the master of his destiny, a self-made being who could define his identity, purpose, and worth independently of God.

Today, we see this manifested in countless ways. One person’s focus might be on accumulating wealth, climbing the corporate ladder, or seeking fame. Another might chase the illusion of a perfect life through social media, striving for validation in likes and follows. And still, others are consumed with seeking comfort, security, or pleasure. Yet, these pursuits often leave a deep void within, an emptiness that no earthly success or possession can fill.

But for those who are in Christ, a new reality has dawned. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), inviting us back into communion with God. Through His death and resurrection, He has restored what was lost in the Garden. We are now reconciled to the Father, walking again in the light of His presence. No longer slaves to the inner conflict of good and evil, we are free to live by the Spirit, empowered with the understanding that comes from God alone.

Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet is a powerful reminder of this restored relationship. She chose to focus on the one thing that truly matters—Jesus Himself. In our new life in Christ, we are invited to do the same. We have been given a life abundant, not in the temporary and fleeting things of this world, but in a deeply rooted, eternal relationship with our Savior. This life is not divided between the sacred and the secular, the spiritual and the earthly; rather, every aspect of our existence is now an act of worship and communion with God.

Living in Christ consciousness means continually fixing our eyes on Jesus, listening to His voice, and aligning our hearts with His. It’s a daily, moment-by-moment surrender to His presence and guidance. As Paul exhorts us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we are invited into an ongoing conversation with God, not limited to Sunday services or morning devotions but infused into every breath and every task.

We are His temple, carriers of His Spirit, with minds set on things above, not on earthly distractions. Our work, our relationships, our moments of rest—all are opportunities to live out our new nature in Christ. This is not merely a religious duty but a joyful response to His love, a recognition that in Him, we move, breathe, and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Jesus’ response to Martha—“only one thing is necessary”—is a call to each of us. It’s a call to let go of the anxiety, striving, and distractions of this world and to embrace the simplicity of sitting at His feet. In this place, we find true wisdom, peace, and joy. We learn that our value is not in what we do but in who we are in Christ—redeemed, beloved, and whole.

May we, like Mary, choose the good part that cannot be taken away. Let us embrace the abundant life that Christ has given us, marked by an unbroken connection to the One who loves us and gave Himself for us. In every moment, may we find ourselves at His feet, listening, learning, and living in the fullness of His presence.